10k Update

Over the past few weeks, I've been training for my first 10k race. I think this distance is exactly what I needed and I'm actually really excited for the run in April. I wanted something that was going to get me back into running without feeling pressure to cut out the other things I've enjoyed adding in, like Body Core at the gym and yoga. Knowing the 10k is coming up has been motivating and I'm really looking forward to running a race again, without the (self-imposed) pressure that comes with a half. 

That being said, it's still hard to ALWAYS be in the mood or mental place to run. Last Monday, it was rainy all day, but literally as I pulled back in Ann Arbor after work, the skies cleared and it was beautiful. I ended up running nearly a mile more than I set out to, which is not something I ever really do. I was so thankful for the sun, because I know what a difference the weather makes...especially when the rain wasn't as kind to me today. I wanted to stay inside and enjoy some extra free time at home, but when it came down to it, I knew I would regret skipping. As soon as I got home, I got dressed, threw on a hat (which I never wear, so what a good excuse to use it!), and headed out. The temperature was just above freezing, so the spitting rain was definitely cold at first, but once I got going, it felt great....as it always does!

So overall, training has been great, or, more importantly, exactly what I wanted it to be. I was excited to reward myself with a new pair of sneakers - the Brooks I currently have and love - but when I went to buy them last night, I realized they were out of stock in my size. The shoe is marked down, so I think it's being discontinued, so I'm a little bummed, but I'm sure there's another pair of brightly colored sneakers out there for me...sigh. 

New (free!) Shoes!

Back in the Fall, I purchased a pair of Sauconys that I really liked and enjoyed and we had a good ride together, but after just a few runs, the mesh above both big toes wore completely through. The running store where I bought them suggested I send them back if I was unhappy, but I didn't want to give them up, since it was a much overdue purchase.

After recently buying a new pair a few weeks ago, I FINALLY sent the other ones back to Saucony, not really expecting much since I had waited so long...but alas! A brand new pair of beautiful kicks were waiting for me at my door yesterday..AND they are super cool colors, which is important to me when choosing a running shoe.

This should be the extra kick in the butt that I need to get back into a good routine.

running decreases the likelihood of freezing

I regret having not posted in the past few weeks. I have been meaning to, but things have been busy in a really great way!

At the beginning of the month, I set three running-related resolutions, if you will, to help prepare me both physically and mentally for next month's HOPE EXPRESS, and they've all been going great! Longer runs, hiller runs, muchhh colder runs (oh hi 5 degrees). On top of those, I've recently added, "Believe in yourself and erase negative comments...even the sarcastic ones." If I'm going to run 18 miles, I need to stop doubting myself and believe I can do it.

On the note of cold weather, I have been commenting on it like CRAZY, but actually, it has not been too bad (aside from the fact that we've been very lucky and it really HASN'T been that bad...I mean, when it's been bad, I haven't minded it!). The hardest part is the range of temperatures I experience over a run, but I'm starting to know myself and figure out what works (i.e. wear my really good, warm gloves, but also bring my thinner gloves so there's a middle ground between thick gloves and cold arm). Cold runs are definitely refreshing!

Beautiful new Argo Park!

I have been looking for this ever since I read about it a few months ago, but to no avail. THANKS Lani for sending it over from Denver!

Wait a second...how'd Santa Paws get in here?

let the bodies hit the floor

...or just one.

Today I fell when I was running with Ryan around his neighborhood. More than anything else, the shock of it is what made it hurt the most (well that, and my hands breaking my fall on the concrete...that did hurt a bit too). Minus a few scraps and cuts, I'm fine, but I was really happy I wasn't running alone. If nothing else, it just reiterated my recent thought about needing a Road ID, something I have been thinking about lately. Argh!

s&m

Today's topics: Sneakers and Mountains

Sneakers

I purchased a new pair! I was due for a some new kicks, and decided to have myself actually fitted for a pair, instead of just picking blindly. It was pretty painless and I'm glad I did it! Now that I know I need a "stability" shoe, I can actually get into the Runner's World shoe guides...exhilarating, I know! Anyway, I didn't really think ahead before heading out on today's run (weather/course wise), so when I got home, my shoes looked a bit like those "Spot the Difference" picture games in the magazines...everything is the same from one (shoe) to the next, except a few small changes.

(I would've written this part upside down if I could: 1. Big spot of dirt)

Mountains

When I was little, the thought of the slow and deliberate climb to the top of a roller coaster made me want to hurl. That slow, steady clicking of the car inching its way up...ugh. At Dorney Park, I remember watching the cars become tiny dots (okay, maybe not tiny dots...) as we climbed higher and higher. The anticipation, the sloooowww moving of it all..it killed me.

And that's exactly what running such (or any, really) inclines are like for me. I let the anticipation get to me and it makes me crazy. I ran on some new roads last week and didn't realize how many bumps in the road there'd be. Not knowing, I was unable to dread them for the minutes leading up to them. Nevertheless, once I saw it up ahead, I'd start to panic. There was one that I almost had to laugh to when I got to it though. It was nothing. Even though it had looked like the car on the street were driving up a 90 degree angle, it appeared as though the sidewalk was doing its own thing. All that worry for nothing! I realized I need to stop psyching myself out and stop panicking about it beforehand. Most of the time, I blow it up so big in my head that the mountain in my mind is not even a close relative of the minor hill that lays before me. ESPECIALLY in anticipation for Hope Express EXTREME team (all will be revealed: next post!), I've decided to (slowly) start embracing these challenges, and have stopped completely rerouting runs when they fall before me. It's good. This is good.

Ahhhhhh!

(almost) new year, new beginnings!

I had wanted to write something today to post this super awesome picture of my latest purchase, which I finally took out for a spin...err run. All went overall well! They're not Nike, so I was so kindly lent a pouch for my nike+ sensor, but my recent acquisition of a new phone is certainly starting to make me think about exploring apps on my phone I can use so I can use it that instead for tracking/music/safety (hear that MOM?!) Anyway, here they are...

In other very EXCITING news, Sindy and I just registered together for the National Half-Marathon in DC on March 26. AHHHH is all I can gather up right now. AHHH!!! I'm super excited to be setting out on this journey, especially with someone who motivates me constantly and continuously...anddd especially since it will prepare me for an equally as large event going on in April....my super amazing family has ALL committed to completely a half-marathon (walk/run/be dragged) at Rutgers in April. I am super proud of them and excited for them and I CANNOT wait to be there to cheer them all on!!! I am eager to share my good feelings and fuzzies for running and the confidence that comes with it with others, especially those so close to me and my heart!! Maybe if they know I'm publicly blogging about them, they'll stop reading...and start running. You can (/will...don't forget. April will eventually get here :O) do it!

happpppy holidays!

Roller Coaster!

Oh it's been a while! Here's what's been going on:

My last run before I left for Vegas was rough. Looking back on it, I think it was really mental, but I struggled to do things I've done many times before...and usually with relative ease. As I'm running, I'm thinking about that fact though and obviously that doesn't help, so I gave myself (with the help of one of my many mentors :O)) a good pep talk to set myself straight. Sure, I may not have been able to run the distance I set out to that day, but what about all the things I CAN do now? I never thought I'd get into a routine, that I'd wake up early to run, that I'd run more than a 5k, that I'd realistically be approaching a half-marathon. I need to be thinking this way, or I won't reach my goal. I also decided to start a collection of things to motivate me, so I can keep those things in my mind when I'm running, especially pictures/notes/memories from my time AT camp! I am thrilled to be running for the Hole in the Wall camps, but because of the nature of their program, I am training alone. When I committed to this, my greatest concern was if I'd be able to stick to my training schedule without having a group I was constantly and consistently running with. Now, my struggle is with the fact that my goals are BIG, sometimes bigger than I think I can handle...and sometimes, bigger than I can handle. I need to be able to remember, at all times, WHY I wanted to do this, and why this is so important. My struggles are nothing compared to the hardships of the children who attend the Hole in the Wall camps. Camp gives them a chance to focus on being a carefree child, but they don't have the choice to just give up.....which means neither do I.

I did run one time while I was out in Vegas, which I'm going to consider a small victory. I would have liked to run 2x, but it was a... challenge. I got home late last night, and will probably try to go for a short run tonight, just to get myself going. Starting tomorrow though, it's time to get cracking. I have a tentative schedule I feel comfortable with, building up to 11 miles, which was my original goal, but I'm not naive enough to think that planning is enough. I think I also want to write more about it, so I can be sure I am celebrating my successes more than I am dwelling over my hard days and tough runs.

In going with my "pep up collection," I received THIS in the mail a few days before I went away, which is AWESOME!!!!!

Same Name: Lance BASS and ARMSTRONG

I am beyond thrilled that tomorrow morning will bring FRIDAY! This week has been super busy and exhausting. I am pleased, however, to say that I set a plan for attack for the week, knowing I'd have little time to run. Success!

Tonight's run was great. I really enjoyed myself and being in Lansdale for the night, it was a nice change-up to run something different. I think the best part of running is the very end, or, leading up to the end. Long ago, I hated the push of others to sprint at the end, but now it's routine (which, as you know, I like). Thanks to my Nike+ (which is really a whole post in itself!!), I have a set power song I can blast to get through the last steps. I'm seeing slowly that my attitude towards running is really, truly changing....it feels good!

Post title?
Lance Bass = a common voice on my tunes (well, as common as he is in any music he's been a part of...)

Lance Armstrong = Complimented me at the end of my run for my best mile to date. Sometimes I run just so I can play with my Nike+ features...but like I said, that's a whole other post....